footballer who tragically died following a freak accident during a first grade rugby game has been described by his club as a well-respected player and all round ` good bloke ' .
nicholas tooth , 25 , was playing for the quirindi lions against the narrabri nsw on saturday when he collapsed after hitting his head on an opponent 's shoulder during a tackle .
he was treated at the ground before being airlifted to newcastle 's john hunter hospital in a critical condition but died in hospital late on sunday .